In October, UNU-BIOLAC took meaningful steps to renew its historic ties with Venezuelan academic institutions, reaffirming its commitment to fostering regional scientific collaboration.
On October 8, Dr. Gustavo Fermin, Head of UNU-BIOLAC, and Senior Administrative Assistant Omar Molina visited the Chemistry Department of the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV). The visit followed the successful fellowship of postgraduate student Sofía Salazar, who conducted research on chaotic 3D tissue printing at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Salazar is part of Dr. Jimmy Castillo’s research group at UCV.
During the visit, Dr. Fermin explored the capabilities of Dr. Castillo’s laboratory, with the aim of establishing formal collaboration channels between UCV and Tecnológico de Monterrey. The proposed partnership would leverage UCV’s expertise in chemical processes and Monterrey’s strengths in nanobiotechnologies, particularly through the laboratory of Dr. Grissel Trujillo, a long-standing UNU-BIOLAC collaborator.
Later in the month, Mr. Molina traveled to Mérida to engage with the Universidad de Los Andes (ULA) during the 25th edition of the Festival de la Ciencia, a flagship event for science outreach in the Venezuelan Andes. The festival, which showcases scientific experiments and demonstrations for students and the general public, provided a fitting backdrop for discussions with ULA authorities and biotechnology leaders about potential institutional partnerships.
Mr. Molina also met with former UNU-BIOLAC fellows and course coordinators, who shared updates on their professional journeys and expressed appreciation for the Programme’s support. They emphasized the urgent need for financial assistance for outstanding Venezuelan science students and early-career professionals, especially in the current challenging context. These conversations highlighted the importance of strengthening UNU-BIOLAC’s outreach efforts and ensuring timely access to information about its opportunities through academic networks.
